On June 29, 2024, the Canada Gazette (the official newspaper of the Government of Canada) published proposed Regulations Respecting the Reduction in the Release of Methane (Waste Sector). The proposed regulations feature a consistent and more stringent regulatory approach to monitoring and reducing methane emission levels for Canadian landfills. These proposed federal regulations define "a performance-based approach that sets surface methane concentration limits and requires regular monitoring to confirm these limits are being met, to identify methane leaks and to ensure methane recovery is optimized."
Sniffer Robotics is excited to share that US EPA Other Test Method 51 (OTM-51) – UAS Application of Method 21 for Surface Emission Monitoring of Landfills) has been included in the proposed regulations as an approved drone-based alternative to manual landfill surface emissions monitoring (SEM).
Sniffer recently announced they are now operating throughout Canada using their patented SnifferDRONE™ unmanned aerial system (UAS) to provide landfill methane emissions studies to customers. Canadian customers are utilizing Sniffer's services to help prepare their sites for the new, more stringent, rules and regulations for landfill emissions monitoring. Sites have also been motivated by the opportunity to demonstrate environmental stewardship by decreasing their methane emissions into the atmosphere.
OTM-51 remains the industry's most advanced and precise method for detecting landfill methane emissions. The method was broadly approved by the US EPA in 2022 (less 7 states with state-specific landfill emissions regulations). Adopting OTM-51 enables both regulators and landfill operators to have the highest degree of confidence in methane emissions detection.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has posted the proposed regulations online and is seeking feedback until August 28, 2024.
About Sniffer Robotics
Sniffer Robotics is a leading environmental technology enabled services firm serving the waste, natural gas, and agriculture industries throughout the United States. Sniffer's methods, automation tools, and software solutions help improve their customers' compliance standing and operational performance while benefiting the environment. Sniffer was recognized as one of the top 250 Greentech Companies in America by TIME and Statista.